[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 174 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO WORLD WAR II FLYING ACE, RICHARD WEST OF CHILLICOTHE, MO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to World War II 
flying ace Richard West of Chillicothe, MO. A member of 35th Squadron, 
8th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force stationed in the South Pacific, 
Richard shot down 14 Japanese fighters during 1943 and 1944. He was one 
kill away from being a triple ace.
  Amazingly, in his 173 combat missions flying P-40 Warhawks and P-38 
Lightnings, Richard saw air-to-air combat only eight times. However, 
one of those times he shot down four planes, another time he shot down 
two planes.
  Along with other American aces in the South Pacific, West's character 
became legendary as the ``Samson of the Pacific''. In the book, 
``Fighter Aces,'' it is said that he refused to cut his hair until he 
downed his first Japanese plane. Richard also authored his own book, 
``Three Songs and Other Poems,'' a book depicting the drama of air-to-
air combat.
  Richard West is a highly decorated war veteran who helped shape the 
course of our Nation. He is a member of the ``greatest generation'' and 
deserves our respect and thanks. I am proud to announce that on 
Saturday, January 12, the Chillicothe Municipal Airport Terminal 
Building will be named in his honor, a memorial long overdue. I thank 
Richard West for his service to our country.

                          ____________________